THE NSW Government is calling for nominations from the community to recognise our multicultural harmony champions.

While Port Stephens is made up mostly of people who were born in Australia we do have a diverse range of nationalities represented with the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016 Census reporting that, “In Port Stephens, 81.0% of people were born in Australia.”

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The balance is made up of people born from right around the world.

“The most common countries of birth were England 3.8%, New Zealand 1.3%, Scotland 0.5%, Germany 0.5% and South Africa 0.4%.”

The champions nominated will recognise the outstanding work promoting social cohesion and unity during challenging times during this year’s peak multicultural awards program for NSW.

Minister for Multiculturalism Natalie Ward announced nominations are now open for the 2022 Premier’s Multicultural Community Medals and the Multicultural Honour Roll.

This year’s awards program will also pay tribute to renowned Italian-born Australian fashion designer Carla Zampatti, through the Carla Zampatti Arts and Culture Medal.

“This terrific awards program is our chance to acknowledge the everyday multicultural heroes in NSW who we rely on day in, day out, to support our communities,” Mrs Ward said.

“2021 has been another incredibly challenging year and our community and religious leaders have played a crucial role in delivering vital health information to help keep us safe.

“Countless individuals and organisations have stepped up across all backgrounds to help vulnerable people experiencing extreme hardship and to keep us connected.”

The Premier’s Multicultural Community Medal winners and Premier’s Multicultural Honour Roll inductees will be announced and presented in March 2022 at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner.

Mrs Ward said medal categories honour the achievements of community members working in diverse fields including youth, business, arts and culture as well as regional communities.

Past winners have included a Muslim community leader who dedicated her life to supporting Muslim women and a Syrian Australian priest who leads programs and activities supporting the vulnerable and recently-arrived refugees.

“I urge everyone in our community to nominate their unsung heroes today,” Mrs Ward said.

“We are really looking forward to thanking our community for their incredible efforts at the 2022 Premier’s Harmony Dinner.”

The NSW Premier will also posthumously recognise the legacy of people who have made lasting contributions to NSW through the Multicultural Honour Roll on the night.

By Marian SAMPSON